Australian court backs regulator’s decision on OkeBet self-exclusion and inducement breaches | AGB
Summary
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has upheld the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission’s (VGCCC) finding that OkeBet breached the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic) by sending promotional material to self-excluded customers and using community sporting clubs to offer prohibited inducements. The regulator fined OkeBet AU$100,000 and issued a formal censure in September 2024; OkeBet’s appeal was dismissed by VCAT, which also recorded evidence of harm to some self-excluded individuals.
Key Points
- VCAT confirmed the VGCCC’s determination that OkeBet marketed to self-excluded people, despite clear lack of consent.
- OkeBet was fined AU$100,000 and formally censured in September 2024 for breaches of Victorian gambling law.
- The regulator found OkeBet used local sporting clubs to promote account registrations and offered inducements prohibited under state rules.
- VCAT noted some self-excluded recipients experienced significant mental distress after receiving promotional material.
- Victorian regulations prohibit inducements such as credit, vouchers or rewards to open wagering accounts and ban sending marketing to self-excluded customers.
- VGCCC emphasised protecting community institutions (local footy and netball clubs) from being used to promote gambling.
Content Summary
The VGCCC identified risks to vulnerable individuals and community groups after evidence showed OkeBet sent promotional offers to people who had opted out of wagering and engaged community sporting clubs to encourage new sign-ups with inducements. The Commission imposed a AU$100,000 fine and a formal censure in September 2024 under the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 (Vic). OkeBet appealed, but VCAT dismissed the appeal and upheld the regulator’s enforcement action and findings, noting real harm for some self-excluded people.
VGCCC chief executive Suzy Neilan said the regulator acted to prevent exploitation of community clubs and protect supporters from gambling harm. The Tribunal’s written reasons stressed that self-exclusion signals a clear lack of consent to receive marketing and that wagering providers must comply with legal obligations to minimise harm.
Context and Relevance
This ruling reaffirms regulators’ powers in Victoria to enforce responsible gambling rules and sets a clear precedent for how promotions and third-party community partnerships are scrutinised. Operators, compliance teams and community organisations should note the strengthened oversight on inducements and unwanted marketing — especially where vulnerable or self-excluded customers are concerned. The case highlights ongoing industry-wide trends toward stricter enforcement and greater protection of community institutions from gambling promotion.
Why should I read this?
Quick and blunt: if you run, market for or work with a wagering business — this is a wake-up call. The tribunal has doubled down on self-exclusion and inducement rules, fined an operator and rejected an appeal. It shows regulators will act where community clubs and vulnerable people are involved, so read the detail to avoid getting caught out.